Development of a high-speed overhead contact line measurement device for the Kyushu Shinkansen

Abstract

This report addresses the development of a measurement device for more efficiency in the dynamic inspection of overhead lines, which is one type of equipment inspection for the Kyushu Shinkansen.With Shinkansen lines in the past, overhead lines were measured with special electric and inspection cars using measurement pantographs and lasers. A testing timetable had to be put together during the regular commercial service time. In light of that, the Kyushu Railway Company (JR [Japan Railway] Kyushu) took the following points into consideration, and developed a device for measurement where imaging equipment is mounted to Shinkansen trains in commercial operation to analyze the dynamic state of overhead lines by image analysis. 1) Enabling increased efficiency in maintenance by measuring on the normal timetable during commercial service. 2) Reducing costs by eliminating the need for a special measuring car. 3) Simplifying the components that make up the measurement device. With that measurement device, train location information and speed information can be acquired from ATC (Automatic Train Control) to associate those with test results at the points measured for better data management. This measurement device is used periodically, and the data acquired is utilized for maintenance and management of the overhead line equipment. © 2010 WIT Press.